of Little Rock, AR
July 26, 1931 - September 17, 2021
Martha Ann (Stone) Harding was born on July 26, 1931 to Mabel Stone and Roy Stone in Old Union (Union County), Arkansas outside of El Dorado. She passed away peacefully on Friday, September 17th , 2021 at Baptist Hospital. Martha attended school in Old Union prior to graduating from El Dorado High School. She attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, now the University of Central Arkansas. She majored in Home Economics and she was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority. There is an endowed scholarship at UCA that benefits students in her field each year.
At college she met Rush (Buddy) Harding Jr. and they were married upon graduation. She and Buddy taught one year at Barton High School before her long and meaningful career at Clarendon in Monroe County. At Clarendon she taught Home Economics to generations of young women who love her to this day. She was also the school's Guidance Counselor. Her most difficult job was being the wife of a driven and very successful coach. She was a mother to generations of players. She was the cheerleader sponsor. She attended every game. She supported her husband in his Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame career.
In 1984 she and Buddy moved to Little Rock to be closer to her grandchildren. She worked for her friend, Bonnie Harvey, as a seamstress at BP's Place. Every life she touched cherished her friendship. She never knew a stranger. "Tootie" lived life with a zeal that few people possess. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.
She is predeceased by both of her parents and her two sisters, Cindy and "Pete." She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Richard) and her son, Rush Harding Ill (Linda). She has 6 grandchildren; Erin Elledge Ward, Katie Elledge, Cliff Elledge, Shaylea Harding McKay, Rush Harding IV and Payne Harding. She is survived by 9 great grandchildren; Parker, Greyson, Terra, Ava, Elowen, Ruby, Rush V (Five), Wilder, and Mila. She loved her family like no other. She was the matriarch of her family and her grandchildren and great grandchildren all loved their "Tootie Momma" with a fervent passion.
Memorial services will be Saturday, September 25th at 11:00 am at the Roller Chenal Funeral Home in West Little Rock. There will be a visitation with the family at 10:00 am that same morning prior to the memorial service. Memorials can be made to the Martha Harding Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Central Arkansas Foundation, UCA Box 4986, Conway, AR 72035 or to the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon, Arkansas, 121 N 3 rd Street, Clarendon, AR 72029.
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46 Condolence(s)
Lynda Tipton Peacock
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Mrs Harding and Coach Harding will always be remembered with fondness and respect from me. I learned so much from both of them. The world could use more teachers like them. So sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength and peace you need now
Henry Turner
Friday, September 24, 2021
I was friends with Tootie and Rush at State Teachers they were great friends through the years and I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Betty Westbrook
Friday, September 24, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Harding family. Such a fine legacy!
Ellen Hall
Friday, September 24, 2021
Rush, a loving strong family from the very beginning. So sorry for your loss.
Perry & Irene Willingham
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Jennifer & Rush, I am so sorry for your loss. Tootie Mama was such a beautiful & precious woman. I will never forget the first time we met her and your dad..they came by our home, sat down and visited with us like they had known us forever…I will always remember that visit..Tottie Mama had that million dollar smile every time you saw her.
Praying for God to give each of you Peace & Comfort in the weeks ahead
Much Love
Shane & Beth Ellis
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Our deepest sympathy for the family.
Rick O'Brien
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
I have great memories of my time with Tootie Momma and Buddy Rough. She was truly a wonderful lady and an inspiration for many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sandra Dyer Addison
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
There are great memories of Coach Harding and Mrs Martha. So sorry for the families loss. Prayers for all the family.
Larry Jefferies
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Jennifer and Rush, I am so sorry for your loss. Coach and Mrs. Harding were a big support system for me at Clarendon High.
Larry Jefferies
Donald Hill
Monday, September 20, 2021
Mrs. Harding was an inspiration to all the students at CHS. She & Coach Harding will always be fondly remembered. Condolences to all the Harding Family.
Lois Gould
Monday, September 20, 2021
So many memories of Ms Harding. I remember a few of our sewing projects but my favorite was the surprise at winning the Betty Crocker Homemaker Award. She was always so full of energy.
Clay McCastlain
Monday, September 20, 2021
She was loved and admired by many students over the years. My prayers and sympathies are with the family. May you feel God's presence and his comfort.
John & Rosemary McKay
Monday, September 20, 2021
Our thoughts & Prayers are with you all.
Janet Miller Atkinson
Monday, September 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with each of you.
Jimmy & Jackie Rogers
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Condolences to family. So sorry for your loss.
Betty Henderson Medford
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Deepest sympathy for your loss. She was a great friend to me and will be remembered for all the good things she did for everyone. She and Coach Harding were part of our family. We have wonderful memories of you all.
Dianne Armstrong
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Rush & Family;
I am so sorry for your loss.
Tootie Momma was such a beautiful woman. I am glad I got to know her and visit with her over the years….Don really liked her too.
God Bless each of you.
Vicki Wooley Lambert
Sunday, September 19, 2021
I was privileged to grow up in Clarendon Arkansas and learned from both Coach Harding and Mrs. Harding. So many great memories…I can still remember sitting down with Mrs. Harding to discuss college and the great encouragement she gave me. I will always cherish my school years at CHS and the memories made there with the Hardings. To Jennifer, Rush and the family I extend my deepest sympathies. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Willie Bob Baxter
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Condolences to Jennifer and Rush. Ms. Harding was my Hero and Savior during High School. Whenever I got into trouble, She came to my defence!
Linda Cage Norwood
Sunday, September 19, 2021
My deepest condolences to you all, your mom will be greatly missed by so many. She touched so many people's lives. Rest In Love Tootie you are now with the love of your life Coach Harding, there is dancing and laughter in heaven.
Mary Bane Lackie
Sunday, September 19, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your mom is one of the hardest things in life. Praying for peace and comfort for the whole family.
Glenda Singleton Snyder
Sunday, September 19, 2021
She was such a beautiful person inside à nd out, She was one of my favorite teacher and a friend for all these years!! R.I.P sweet lady!
Frances Worden Clark
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Mrs. Harding came to our 50th class reunion (class of 1960) and I loved seeing she was the same spunky, classy, funny and adorable person she was as our Home Ec teacher in Clarendon during the late '50's. She taught me to sew, a bit of how to cook, and other things just absorbed from her personal presence. I adored her. I have no doubt she was the most fun, grandmother and even great grandmother you can imagine.
Scott and Laura Turner
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Scott and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I know you’ll miss her! Scott and Laura
Larry bridgman
Sunday, September 19, 2021
I love this lady she was a high hell to me my senior year as guidance councilor ! She is truly one of a Kind! If the years could talk ! I thank you so much! Love you always !
Larry Bridgman
Karla Breeding Trammell
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Jennifer and Rush, I always thought a lot of both your mom and your dad. My own dad used to share stories of their playing football on opposing teams in high school. My sincere condolences and prayers for you and your families.
Nancy Rainwater
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Love and prayers to your family! Olive both of your parents!!
Helen Holloway
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Harding Family, especially Rush & Jennifer. Your mom & dad were two of my biggest supporters when I taught @ Clarendon. They were great counselors & always gave good advice when I ask for their suggestions. May she rest in peace!
Becky Cattlett Swink
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Her influence she made in the heart’s of her students and friends will never be forgotten.
Gina and Rickey Burns
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Ms. Harding will be remembered for years to come for her investment in so many young lives, including me and my siblings. She, along with Coach Harding, were dear friends to our Parents. God Bless you all as you grieve.
Jim and Peggy Schneider
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Rush, you had great parents who lived lives of service, and left a legacy that will endure for generations. They now rest together in eternal repose. Our sincere sympathy to you, Linda and your family.
Melody Richardson Middleton
Sunday, September 19, 2021
My condolences to her family. I remember her in school. God bless her family.
Roger Gossett & Alice Shen
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Our prayers are with you all . Rush, you and your family were blessed to have her for a full life. She is in a wonderful place teaching, sharing and showing her special kindness .
They say it takes a village, she raised villages that were the roots for thousands of meaningful lives.
Alice & Roger
Marsha & Mike Tadlock
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Memories to remember from all the
luncheons attended by our neighbors and community. Martha was a joy to know and love.
Bobbie Jones
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Was a wonderful Professional Lady and a Friend to all that knew Her
I Loved Coach and Tootie Momma.My Prayers go out to Jennifer,Rush,and all Her Family!
Linda Smith Conrad
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to Jennifer and Rush and their family.
Don & Susie Boshers
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Tootie was our neighbor for years. She was always upbeat and fun. She made beautiful dance costumes for our daughter. We loved her family and Rush was especially dear to us. Rest In Peace in your heavenly home.
MARGARET SIMPSON
Sunday, September 19, 2021
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYERS FOR EACH OF YOU
Ken and Jackie Huguenard
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Condolences for your loss. Your Mother was very influential in the lives of so many students at Clarendon. What a wonderful legacy to leave! Prayers for your entire family.
Stan and Dorcas Prince
Sunday, September 19, 2021
My condolences to Jennifer and Rush. The passing of another of Monroe County’s Ladies of distinction…
Danny D. Hodges
Sunday, September 19, 2021
PRAYERS FOR JENNIFER AND RUSH III AND THE REST OF THEIR FAMILY FOR THEIR LOSS
Roger Morgan
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Will truly miss this great woman who has touched the lives of so many.
Cookie Tanksley Venable
Sunday, September 19, 2021
I so remember Mrs Harding loved her dearly! Awesome teacher/counselor, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother (Tootie). Everyone loved her and so well respected from all of us!!! R.I.P. Mrs Harding love you to the moon and back ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ’•ðŸ’•ðŸ’•ðŸ’•
Melody & Danny Byrd
Sunday, September 19, 2021
So very sorry Rush. She was loved by all who knew her.
Billy Self
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Condolences to all of your family
Carl & Kathy Grimes
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Her family, students and friends have memories that will resonate through future generations.